Question
How do the Responsible Pharmacist requirements affect aseptic units in NHS hospitals?

Answer
Aseptic activity in NHS hospitals does not require the premises to be registered with RPSGB (GPhC from September 2010) or PSNI.

To avoid confusion, the term 'Responsible Pharmacist' as defined in relation to aseptic units in the Quality Assurance of Aseptic Preparation Services (Pharmaceutical Press, 4th Edition 2006), the recognised national standards for aseptic preparation in the NHS without a MHRA 'Specials' Manufacturing Licence, will therefore be changed to 'Accountable Pharmacist'. The definition remains unaltered.

Use of the term 'Authorised Pharmacist' in relation to aseptic preparation is unaffected by this change.